Odd damage for a plow.  What style of plow does he have on his truck?

I do a lot of my own plowing, since I have blades for my tractors and a plow for one of my F-150's.  I can sympathize with how hard it is to get close to a building without damaging it.

It's hard to tell in the picture, how high off the ground would you say the bottom of the gash is?  Odds are it was cut off by the bottom left of his blade if he backed up with the blade picked up off the ground.

It's relatively minor damage, and won't be too hard to fix if you can find the materials.  Looks like older style aluminum siding or flashing of some sort?

Well, there's no other way the damage could have been done, then by his plow. He and old Ford, but I have no idea why model. I'm not sure how high off the ground it is, and I'm bad with guessing measurements, but it was definately done by the top of his plow. Style plow? I don't know. It's yellow, and rusted. That's all I can tell you. Oh, and that it's a solid piece. It doesn't fold at all. Just curved.

 

How it happened really shouldn't matter. The fact is he caused the damage, and said he would repair it. You're right, it is minor damage, and I could probably do it myself. There are a couple of reason why I won't though. The siding on the house asbestos, and the new piece will have to be cut to fit. I will gladly supply his with the new one because we have some in the garage. Also, you may not realize, but my husband is in Iraq, and I have 4 children to care for completely alone. My house is 138 years old, and I'd like the work to be done before we start getting all the Spring rain that will cause damage to the wood underneath the siding. And yes, the metal piece is some sort of aluminum, but I have no idea where to buy anything of that sort. It's principal here. I shouldn't have to fix it myself. If my husband were here he would say it was no big deal, and do it. On the other hand, I shouldn't have to because I am doing the work of Mom, Dad, dog walker, yard boy, and chief bottle washer all on my own.

 

Just as I was checking my inbox I was hoping to get your thoughts. You are wise beyond your years, and I appreciate your opinion, as much as I know you love giving it!

Does it look like mine here: http://saikotikgunman.mindsay.com/someone_forgot_to_order_a_delivery_of_propane_and_other_winter_highlights.mws

I'd fix it for you, but I think the fuel would cost more than the repair!

He could have been telling the truth that he didn't notice it when it happened.  For a big truck running in 4Low with a plow on, especially dragging it over the ground, that's like a knife through butter.  But, as a contractor(for lack of a better term), he is indeed responsible for making right any damage he does while on the job.  I'd leave a note and possibly the materials if you're not going to be around, telling him that you'll write him the check for the full amount as soon as the hole is patched to your satisfaction.

Have you called to remind him of the damage? I think a more direct approach than a note with the check might be warranted.

The unsigned second check seems a bit odd to me- unsigned it's a worthless piece of paper, the post-dating just makes it more suspicious- I think it could cause problems with your bank and his if he didn't notice it was unsigned and tried to just deposit it.

No, I haven't called to remind him. Frankly I'm tired of his half ass work at plowing, and wish I could just fire him, but at this point it's a bit late. I pretty much lack the balls to be more direct with him. My husband took those to Iraq. lol

 

That is the reason I would add a note to the envelope, so that he realized the check was post dated, and unsigned. I realize it would be worthless, but that's kinda the point. I see your point though. Maybe I will just call him. He probably did forget about the damage, just as he seems to forget to plow my driveway!

Ick, maybe I shouldn't try to answer this with a couple of glasses of wine in me.  I'm thinking because he isn't the sharpest crayon in the box that you should remind him specifically about the damages and then tell him you would like  to make payment on your invoice but you'd prefer to get this other matter settled first.  Good luck.

Share the wine please. Yeah, Trill said I should remind him first too. That's probably the best thing. I'm just so non-confrontational, and completely tactless. lol

I wish I could, I wish I could, lol.

 

I'm totally non confrontational and I doubt you're tactless.  I'm just great at giving out advice but rarely listen to myself, lol.

First, I would NOT leave a signed check out there.  For one, what if it gets stolen, and for another, if you leave a blank one with it, he could try to forge your signature on the unsigned one.  I would hate for you to get screwed out of money that he doesn't have coming to him.  Well, technically he did the job he's being paid to do, but that brings me to my second point.  I would NOT give him ANY money until he either pays for the damages done to your home or finds someone to do it.  That needs to be fixed, period.  Why give him money that he'd likely turn around and give back to you in payment for breaking the corner of your house?  I think Trill's suggestion of reminding him is the best way to start....if he gives you attitude, he doesn't deserve his money.  Besides, from the way it sounds, he doesn't deserve it anyway. 

Kat, I second ws with her suggestion to not leave a check taped to the door.  If he is as dull as you suggest, he might be dumb enough to try and sign your name and cash the blank one.  Even if he's not, it is too risky to leave a check out there that any Tom, Dick or Harry could swipe and try to cash.  I would definitely call him and say something like, "I intend to pay you the remainder of the amount due for this winter's plowing, but first I need to know what your plans are for fixing the damage to my house now that the weather has improved (or once the weather improves as the case may be)."  Don't make it sound like you're not planning to pay him the full amount, because that could just make him defensive.  He did say he would fix it, so just give him the benefit of the doubt that he's busy and/or forgetful or maybe even hoping you would be forgetful but still willing to make it right with a polite but firm reminder.  Good luck!